Introduction

Video games have been widely recognized to have some of the most stunning modern visuals in any type of media, paralleled only by advances in technology in film. Despite what appears to be constant debate, people strongly believe that video games are works of art. Of course, the entire thing is made up purely of art. Video games have evolved into an authentic and creative art form of medium for communicating messages, stories, and symbolism to the player. In the second half of the twentieth century, computer games first emerged. Also, because information technology industry has been constantly evolving, it has now progressed into a self-contained and very promising industry. Each game developer competes for the recognition of the public, attempting to attract a growing number of new consumers. The creators entice players with good physics and sensuous graphic elements, a captivating plot, and a memorable soundtrack. To guarantee high-quality visual effects, modern games are built using specially designed or self-written game engines. Unity 5, Unreal Engine 4, and Corona are the most popular choice of these engines. They allow for the creation of both 2D and 3D games.

With the rapid development of computer technology and the growth of the gaming industry, gamers really like to experience progressively immersive gaming journeys that are of higher quality and as legitimate as possible. Up until about the mid-1990s, 2D games were the standard practice in the video game industry. At the time, 3D technology was not even available. When 2D games initially showed up, they appeared astounding, but as the industry progressed, 2D effects evolved into 3D game effects, which grew much quicker. These days, 3D technology is so advanced that the visuals in some video games appear so natural, almost as if they were taken from a film. That is not to say that 2D games are no longer relevant. Every type of game has a specific player base. There are both benefits and drawbacks to both 2D and 3D games. The video gaming industry has grown so much that game developers are now releasing games on a variety of platforms on a daily basis, and they are no longer restricted to 2D and 3D games. Gamers enjoy spending their leisure time on the internet playing interactive video games, both 2D and 3D. As per the ‘State of Online Gaming 2021,’ a report prepared by Limelight Networks, Inc., global gamers spend an average of 8 hours and 27 minutes per week playing video games, with Indian gamers spending their time more than 8 hours and 36 minutes.

Contents

Is 2D Game Development Easier Than 3D Game Development?. 1

Introduction. 1

What is 2D Game Development?. 1

The History of 2D Games. 2

The Difference between 2D and 3D Game Development. 2

1. Motion. 2
2. Physical Environment. 2
3. Production. 3
4. Graphic Arts. 3

Essential Skills Needed for a Game Developer. 3

1. Creativity. 3
2. Time Management. 3
3. Effective Communication. 3
4. Passion in Video Games. 4
5. Programming and Knowledge of Multimedia Development Software. 4
6. Ability To Collaborate with Others. 4
7. Problem Solving Skills and Critical Thinking. 4

Final Word. 4

What is 2D Game Development?

2D games, as the name implies, only have two axes of motion. These are generally “flat” games in which it can be moved left and right as well as up and down. Even though they don’t have as many mobility options as 3D games, 2D games are frequently simple and easy. A lot of 2D games are linear, which means the primary goal of a player is to get from the beginning to the end of a level. Furthermore, the control systems in 2D games are frequently simple. And since the character in 2D games lacks a full range of 3D motion, he or she has fewer options for movement patterns and dialogues with other objects. Objects in many 2D games exist as what is known as a “sprite,” which is a small image mapped onto a larger image. Due to the overall 2D landscape, each sprite has X/Y coordinates that clearly state where it is. These are flat images, as opposed to 3D games, in which the objects can be viewed from any angle the viewer chooses. In 2D games, the camera is also made much much simpler. There is no perspective in 2D games because it looks straight at the game from the side. Some 2D games employ a technique known as parallax scrolling, which scrolls the background at a slower rate than the center of the frame to create the illusion of depth. Character control is also greatly simplified as a result of this. Tipping the control stick to the right in a 2D game simply moves the character in that direction. In a 3D game, however, lifting up the control stick to the right moves the character based on the camera and the direction they are facing.

The History of 2D Games

Even though early video games were so primitive, it is not surprising that they had to use a 2D graphical design. Text-based games, which depended heavily on reading and entering text to engage with the game, were extremely popular back in the 1970s. But nevertheless, once video games developed rapidly to the use of actual visual graphics, three dimensions were not even possible, so two dimensions became the standard practice. Early video games had been using basic shapes in 2D planes, such as Pong in arcades and the Magnavox Odyssey home console. The player had no choice but to use their sense of wonder to imagine themselves playing tennis or hockey on these platforms. Even though video game consoles continued to improve, 2D graphics remained the standard practice until about the mid-1990s. Almost every 2D games, including such as platformers, sports games, puzzle titles, and so on, were available on the NES, Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis. A few more games, such as Star Fox in 1993, were capable of achieving simple 3D gameplay. This was remarkable at the time, but the SNES simply couldn’t handle proper 3D graphics in smooth manner. That transformed with the release of the next generation of consoles.

The Difference between 2D and 3D Game Development

2D graphics, also known as two-dimensional graphics, is a subset of computer graphics that works with images that are formed in two dimensions and have only two parameters: width and height. The term “flat image” refers to a two-dimensional image. The letter “D” stands for three-dimensional graphics, the object of which is a three-dimensional image: width, height, and depth. As a result, 3D is a volumetric representation of an image. Due to the obvious capabilities of the viewer’s eyes to interpret perspective, 3D enables the viewer to evaluate the size and distance to an object. When using 2D animation, the functionalities of the human brain make a contribution to a lifelike perception of the picture: the eyes read a flat image, and the brain brings the representations in three-dimensional format. As a result, the viewer can determine which one of the objects on the screen or picture is much farther away, which is relatively close, and which is positioned at an angle to the viewer in order to assess the angles. More distinctions between 2D and 3D games are listed below.

1.      Motion

2D games move in a straight line. Despite the fact that the character runs in different directions, the player is ultimately responsible for guiding it to the end destination (for example, Mr. Mario). An alter in the entire screen results in character development. In comparison to 2D games, 3D games have more detailed graphics that allow a character to wander independently and without restriction (as in GTA: Vice City). It adds to the intoxicating and entertaining nature of games.

2.      Physical Environment

The 2D gaming space is stagnant and consists of only one layer. That is the only location where the character is able to move and engage. It cannot display a live interactive perspective of the game due to its even size. The three-dimensional eco system is multi-layered and leads to greater penetration. The three-dimensional environment is visually attractive, exhilarating, and hypnotic as a result of this. The 3D world allows for the complete immersion and imaginative gameplay.

3.      Production

Though since creating a 3D game is a more complex process, it takes more time and money than developing a 2D game. Data arrangements, design means, math — all of this is far more difficult and time-consuming to handle than in a 2D game. When creating a 3D environment, the entire development team must work with great care step by step, particularly when it comes to physical sciences. A tiny error can trap the character in this world or cause him to vanish without a trace.

4.      Graphic Arts

The graphics in 3D games are breathtakingly beautiful. A large team of developers, which include professionals in visual art, brightness, visual effects, texture and level artists, 3D specialists, and many more, usually works on a single game. To make a 2D game, development teams only need to fill an even palette with backgrounds and sprites, whereas to make a 3D game, developers must constantly and precisely coordinate the activities to match all compositions, animations, and light.

Essential Skills Needed for a Game Developer

1.      Creativity

Being creative is not something that can be trained, but it is common knowledge that video game designers must have an active imagination. Designers are not only responsible for developing ideas and concepts, characters, and plot lines from start to finish, but they must also consider how users will interact with the characters and build multiple challenges for the player to conquer. With the absence of quests, explorations, riddles, and objectives for the player to participate in, video games would not have the high rate of success that maintains the people’s interest and coming back to play again and again. The side quests and mini-games allow the player to see more of the fantasy surroundings in which their characters live, allowing them to feel fully immersed in this virtual world – a world created by a video game designer.

2.      Time Management

There will always be deadlines in any industry, including video game design. Video games are complex, necessitating the collaboration of a large team of both technical and creative experts. Designers must be adaptable when it comes to group meeting and collaboration, but also extremely diligent when it comes to time management. With so many moving parts happening at the same time, it is critical that a developer meet deadlines and work well under pressure. Because completing one’s part late can have a negative impact on the entire team, having proper time management is an absolutely essential skillset.

3.      Effective Communication

Communication entails more than simply being able to converse with others or send emails. Though these are important forms of communication, video game designers must also be capable of communicating their concepts and ideas and outlooks to other members of the team in a clear and concise manner. Whenever there is a breakdown in communication, the entire team that is involved in the project is at risk of miscommunications and confusion. They should be comfortable dealing with how to communicate their information to the appropriate audience in addition to understanding how and where to express their vision internally. When working on game animation, they have to keep in mind that video games are a form of mass communication. The animation style they select may influence how well the audience perceives the message.

4.      Passion in Video Games

Whether you believe it or not, having a passion for video games is an important component of becoming a successful video game designer. Games industry is a highly competitive market; video game designers should distinguish themselves from other designers by outshining gaming companies with their knowledge and passion for video games. The best designers understand how games work, where improvements could be made, as well as what the gaming community desires to see.

5.      Programming and Knowledge of Multimedia Development Software

A video game may fail if it lacks detailed animation and graphic elements. To prevent this, a game developer should brush up on your game design and interactivity skills. Whenever it comes to video game development, being familiar with various programming software is a game changer. Programming, Adobe Photoshop, Javascript, C++, and Zbrush are some of the examples of platforms and tools that a game developer may use while designing a game.

6.      Ability To Collaborate with Others

As previously stated, the process of developing a video game is not carried out by a single individual. A vast number of teams and departments are all working together to ensure the game is completed in a timely manner and prepared to hit store shelves. While a designer may work alone at their desk in front of their computer, team spirit is recognized and required for success. Everyone involved in the project should be aware of how their contributions affect the group as a whole.

7.      Problem Solving Skills and Critical Thinking

When a person works with technology, they can almost always expect technical glitches. As a video game designer, they must be prepared for problems caused by technology and understand exactly what to do to keep things running smoothly. Instead of becoming upset, they must maintain their cool and persevere in their efforts to complete the project. Looking at things from a different angle and thinking outside the box can assist them in getting back on track. Because players expect to encounter tasks and obstacles, designing a video game necessitates planning and strategizing. Future designers must analyze data and come up with a workable solution.

Final Word

So, in conclusion, is 2D game development easier than 3D game development? There is actually no definite to this question as it all depends on the developer. If a developer is better at drawing or painting, then 2D games are easier for them. Or, if a developer is more proficient in modelling, then 3D games would be easier for them to develop. Therefore, 2D game development is neither easier nor more difficult than the 3D games. It simply relies on the skills of the developer.